Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Don't Pay For Another's Negligence in a Florida Motorcycle Accident

Compared to motor vehicles, motorcycles are much smaller and more difficult to spot on the road.

Due to their size and lack of protection compared to most cars and trucks, such as airbags and seat belts, collisions involving motorcycles often result in severe and fatal injuries.

However, there are several things motorists can do to drive responsibly around motorcycles to avoid a devastating accident.

At the Paulsen Law Group, our experienced Dunedin attorneys will fight to fully protect your rights. Our goal is to do everything in our power so that you can receive the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to, from current and future medical bills to lost wages.

Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida? Our experienced motorcycle attorneys can help you seek financial compensation for your suffering. Call 727.270.8260 or send us a message online today! We have locations in Dunedin, Tampa, St. Petersburgh, Lakeland, and New Port Richey.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in FL?

In Florida, lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting or split laning is when a person rides their motorcycle between lanes in traffic that is at a standstill. Currently, it is only legal in California, but some states are considering adopting legislation to make it legal.

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Law

Florida is what is known as a no-fault state; which means if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault you must first turn to your own insurance coverage to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.

• No-fault liability means you cannot hold the other party liable for your injuries unless you are able to show you were permanently injured. Only in those circumstances are motorists able to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
• Insured Motorists are compensated through their own insurance coverage under what is known as personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage includes medical bills and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
• PIP laws do not apply to motorcyclists meaning after an accident, motorcyclists do not need to show evidence the accident resulted in permanent injuries to file a claim for pain and suffering.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

By their very nature, motorcyclists are placed at a greater risk than auto drivers, as there is little outer protection. These accidents can then lead to catastrophic injuries.

The figures only seem to increase, as there is a reported rise in the number of reported motorcycle injuries that include brain injury, spinal cord injury, and even paralysis.

Other types of motorcycle injuries include:

• Eye injuries
• Facial injuries
• Severe burns
• Road rash
• Broken bones and fractures
• Lacerations
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

If you were severely injured in an accident, reach out to a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer near you. Our team at Paulsen Law Group is ready to talk to you, evaluate the details, and determine if you have a case.

When Should You Call a Dunedin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney near you right away.

Doing so will mean that the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind as well as in the minds of any:

• Witnesses
• Doctors
• Or police that were present

The sooner you get the details to a motorcycle accident lawyer, the better -- you will most likely have a better chance at building a solid case.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Like other traffic accidents, motorcycle crashes peak in the summer months and many of them occur during rush hour. While drivers are hurrying to work, they may be neglecting safety, which can prove devastating for motorcyclists. What starts as a nice summer ride may end in serious injury or death.

Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted driving: If a driver is not watching the road, they are more likely to miss any motorcyclists who might be traveling on it.
• Driving under the influence: Drugs and alcohol impair drivers’ ability to be safe. Intoxicated drivers may be held liable in both criminal and civil courts.
• Unsafe lane changes: Before changing lanes, drivers should always check their blind spots. If they fail to do so, they might not see a small vehicle like a motorcycle.
• Speeding: When drivers are traveling too quickly, they might not have the reaction time they need to prevent a collision with a motorcyclist.
• Sudden stops: Because they have different braking capabilities, motorcycles may not be able to stop if a driver slams on their brakes.
• Intersection errors: Drivers waiting at intersections or making left-hand turns may focus all their attention on traffic and fail to notice a motorcycle in their path.
• Car doors: The phenomenon of motorcyclists colliding with suddenly opened doors is called “dooring.” This can also occur when a driver leaves their door open in the roadway.
• Lane splitting: When motorcyclists travel between 2 lanes of traffic, they are practicing lane splitting, which is illegal in Florida and extremely dangerous.
• Inexperienced drivers: Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers and/or motorcyclists demonstrate a lack of experience.
• Dangerous road conditions: Potholes and uneven pavement may cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their vehicle.
• Weather: Rain and snow may cause motorcyclists to lose traction with the road, and wind can compromise their balance.
• Motorcycle defects: If a bike part malfunctions during their ride, motorcyclists may hold the manufacturers of the defective part accountable.

If any of the causes above contributed to your accident, you may be able to hold someone else liable.

Who Can be Held Liable for Motorcycle Accidents?

Drivers can be held responsible for their misbehavior, manufacturers can be sued for defective equipment, and even city governments can face consequences for egregious road conditions.

Get help with your lawsuit today by speaking to a motorcycle accident attorney at Paulsen Law Group. Call (727) 270-8260 or send us a message online to speak with an attorney near you today! We have locations in Dunedin, Tampa, St. Petersburgh, Lakeland, and New Port Richey.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Riding a motorcycle can be an adrenaline-filled, exhilarating experience, but getting into an accident can be traumatizing. What’s worse is many drivers, and insurance companies have prejudices about motorcyclists that could cloud their ability to view the accident objectively.

• Step One- Call the Police: If you were involved in an accident, you have a right to call the police to the scene of the incident. When police are called to the scene, it is their duty to make sure the area is secure. Sometimes they will set out road flares; other times they will use their flashing lights to guide motorists out of the way from the debris and to prevent further accidents. The police also document what they see and can make a full report. It is your right to contact them as you can use this as evidence in your insurance claim.
• Step Two- Take Photos of the Scene: You never know what kind of person will exit the vehicle after an accident. Some people are even-tempered, while others can be extremely volatile. Remember, you have the right to gather evidence. You can take photos of their license plate and other damaged spots on their vehicle.
• Step Three- File a Claim: Florida operates under a no-fault system meaning in unless you can show you were permanently injured, you cannot sue for personal injury. The law is a bit different for motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are not required by law to have personal injury protection insurance. They also do not need to prove they were permanently injured to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent third-party responsible for their injury.

  ---

  If you have questions about insurance coverage or steps to take after being involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Dunedin for experienced representation and successful results!

  ---